No offence to any games, but there is some game you don’t like at all—not every game is for everyone. So when a group of board game enthusiasts were asked: “What’s that last game for you that felt like crap? 🫣😅”—the answers came fast. Monopoly, Catan, Shasn, Evolution. The reasons might surprise you.
This is a hot-takes confessional: honest opinions from hobbyists who’d rather never play these again. Light, opinionated, and inviting you to disagree.
The Universal Punching Bag—Monopoly
The response was instant: “Easy: Monopoly 🤭”
Why do hobbyists dislike it? Roll-and-move feels dated. Player elimination means someone sits out. Games drag for hours. The dice dictate everything. It’s the game most of us played before we knew better—and where many “graduate” to modern board games.
That said, Monopoly remains a gateway for millions. If you’re done with it, try Istanbul for movement depth, or 7 Wonders for quick drafting. Negotiation fans might prefer Chinatown.
Catan—Only Fun With the Right People
One player: “Catan, I haven’t liked it yet—gave it like 4 tries.”
Another countered: “Catan is only fun when played with the right set of people.”
That’s the Catan divide. Trading friction can feel forced. Dice luck can swing games. It’s been overplayed at game nights worldwide. But with an engaged group that actually negotiates and doesn’t take it personally? Catan still delivers.
It’s not universally hated—it’s divisive. The right table makes all the difference.
Evolution—A Miss for Some
Evolution made one player’s “last game that felt bad” list. The theme—adapting species, eating, surviving—sounds great. But for some, the balance feels off, the learning curve doesn’t pay off, or it simply falls flat at the table.
Evolution has plenty of fans. This is one perspective: it didn’t land.
Shasn—The Lightning Rod
If there’s one game that splits the Indian board gaming community, it’s Shasn. “Shasn for sure.” “Shasn is just trash—doesn’t matter what people.”
Why the hate? “Neither party game nor strategy.” It tries to blend Cards Against Humanity–style Q&A with board game mechanics—and, as one critic put it, “becomes neither, fails at both.” Games run 2–3 hours, which many feel is too long for what it offers.
Not everyone agrees. One defender joked: “Black SHASN Matters.” The Indian political game has fans who love the satire and debate. But for strategy purists and casual party groups alike, Shasn often misses the mark.
We’ve written a full deep dive on Shasn—check it out for the full picture.
Why We Love to Hate
Expectations vs reality. Hype and overplay. A mismatch of weight, length, or theme. Sometimes the “right game for the right group” is the only rule that matters.
Taste is subjective. These are community opinions, not verdicts. Your favourite might be on this list—and that’s okay.
What’s Your “Never Again” Game?
So—what’s the last board game that felt like crap to you? Comment below. No judgement.
And if you’re looking for games we actually recommend, start with our best board games for couples or deep dive on Shasn.
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